The Terminator

James Cameron’s original 1984 film “The Terminator” shot all around the Greater Los Angeles area. Early in the film, Arnold Schwarzenegger travels back in time, arriving at the iconic Griffith Observatory. The location is a staple of film, appearing in such movies as “Rebel Without A Cause,” “La La Land” and dozens more.

LOCATION: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Kyle Reese, played by Michael Biehn, arrives back in time in this alley in Downtown Los Angeles.

LOCATION: Alley beside 214 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

Sarah Conner, played by Linda Hamilton, works at this restaurant in South Pasadena. The building has since been remodeled a bit, but the roof still appears the same as it did in the film.

LOCATION: 815 Fremont Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030

The Terminator visits a gun shop, located in Van Nuys. The building is now part of a used car lot.

LOCATION: 14329 Victory Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91401

The Terminator looks for Sarah Conner at her apartment.

LOCATION: 420 S Lafayette Park Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90057

Kyle follows Sarah as she approaches the Tech Noir club. The Tech Noir building is in the process of being remodeled, but the market next to it, now a jewelry shop, can still be seen.

LOCATION: 720 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

A big action sequence takes place at Grand Lower in Downtown L.A. This is a popular area for both filming and photography. It has been featured in countless films, including “Demolition Man,” “Cobra,” “Batman Forever,” “Repo Man,” “Double Dragon” and many more. It was also featured in the TV series “Westworld.”

LOCATION: Grand Lower, Los Angeles, CA 90071

The Tiki Motel where Kyle and Sarah stay can be found in Huntington Park.

LOCATION: 7301 Santa Fe Ave, Huntington Park, CA 90255

Another action sequence takes place at the Second Street Tunnel in Downtown L.A. This is another popular filming location, appearing in such films as “Kill Bill,” “Demolition Man,” “Blade Runner,” “Con Air,” “Independence Day,” “Double Dragon” and many more. The scene starts at the side of the tunnel facing S Figueroa St.

LOCATION: 620 W 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (facing S Figueroa St)

The Terminator crashes his bike and steals a truck on upper S Grand Ave. This is directly above Grand Lower, where the earlier action scene in the film takes place.

LOCATION: S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071 (near 340 S Grand Ave)

The big truck explosion near the end of the movie was filmed in front of this building owned by the Los Angeles Police Department. It is located next just past the Denny’s from “Drive” and very close to Union Station, which has been seen in countless films.

LOCATION: 555 Ramirez St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

The gas station where Sarah’s photograph is taken at the end of the film can be found in the desert town of Littlerock. The same gas station, which has since been remodeled, was also seen in the Britney Spears movie “Crossroads,” as well as the Z.Z. Top music video for “Gimme All Your Lovin’.”

LOCATION: 37202 90th St E, Littlerock, CA 93543

The Griffith Observatory is one of the most iconic locations in Hollywood, perched atop the Hollywood Hills. It offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood and even the ocean. The building opened in 1935 and has remained free and open to the public every since. It has been seen in so many films, we felt it deserved an entire article unto itself.

The observatory is perhaps most famously know for it’s use in the 1955 James Dean film, “Rebel Without A Cause.” However, the grounds have also been seen in such films as “The Terminator,” “La La Land,” “Back To The Future” and dozens more. It has also appeared in countless television shows, such as “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “The Wonder Years,” “24” and even “The Simpsons” (as the “Springfield Observatory”). The observatory has also appeared in music videos, such as Paula Abdul’s “Rush, Rush,” video games, such as “Grand Theft Auto V” and on album covers, for bands such as The Byrds.

Here we’ll take a look at some of the sights of Griffith Observatory.

LOCATION: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Arnold Schwarzenegger could be seen walking nude in the original “The Terminator” film on the sidewalk to the right. He is approached by some street thugs, including one played by Bill Paxton, before the Terminator makes short work of them. The scene has also been recreated in some of the film’s sequels.

Ryan Gosling drives his convertible, with Emma Stone in tow, down the sidewalk on the right in “La La Land.”

A bust of James Dean can be found at the observatory, in honor of Deen’s classic performance in “Rebel Without A Cause,” where the film shot a memorable knife fight scene.

The best views of the observatory are of course at night.

The inside of the observatory has several interesting sights as well. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone can be seen dancing around this pendulum in “La La Land.”

In the same film, the two gaze up at this mural on the ceiling of the observatory.

The two also pause and look at this Tesla Coil.

Overall, whether you’re a movie lover, a tourist, a science fan, or someone who simply enjoys beautiful views, the Observatory has something to offer almost anyone.

Film Oblivion

Movie and TV locations, points of interest.

The Terminator (1984)

Griffith Observatory